Dreary CSX bridge a downer in Downtown view

Tuesday

May 29, 2007 at 12:01 AMMay 29, 2007 at 9:27 AM

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Is there a problem in your neighborhood? Tell The Watch. Each Tuesday, The Dispatch features a problem from Columbus, its suburbs and surrounding counties and explains how officials are working -- or not working -- to fix it. Then we'll keep watch to make sure they keep their word. Call The Watch hot line at (614) 461-8731 or send an e-mail to thewatch@dispatch.com.

A rust-encrusted, drab green railroad overpass blocks motorists' view of the city skyline where Dublin Road becomes Long Street.

Columbus spent millions on North Bank Park to improve the aesthetics of the Downtown gateway.

But except for graffiti, the CSX bridge over Long Street hasn't had a new paint job in years.

David Graham, a communications manager for the Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund, sometimes travels Dublin Road to reach Downtown from his home in Hilliard.

"I've always felt this was an attractive entryway into Columbus that has been spoiled," he said. "Just a fresh coat of paint would be a great help. A mural of some sort would be even better."

Harrison Smith, president of the Downtown Commission, said he thinks it would be worthwhile to paint the bridge.

Painting bridges, though, is a low priority for CSX, said Gary Sease, a spokesman for the railroad, based in Jacksonville, Fla.

"We recognize that some people may not think it's attractive," said Sease, who was e-mailed a photograph of the bridge.

"But our capital dollars are devoted to making sure the bridges are structurally sound and safe," he said.